Asunaro Shobo

Asunaro Shobo is a Japanese publishing house based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, specializing in children's books and educational materials. Founded in 1961 by Tsunekatsu Yamaura, the company began with the publication of 'Mother and Child's 20-Minute Reading' and has since built a catalogue that includes fairy tales, picture books, and translations of international children's literature. The publisher is particularly noted for its translations of works by authors such as Ralf Isau, a writer discovered by Michael Ende and winner of the Buxtehuder Bullen award. Over the decades, Asunaro Shobo has received several prestigious Japanese literary awards for its translated picture books, including the 13th Picture Book Japan Award Special Prize in 1990 for 'The Man Who Planted Trees', the Japan Picture Book Award Translation Prize in 1998 for 'Snow', and the 47th Sankei Children's Book Culture Award Grand Prize in 2000 for 'If You Were a Slave'. The company continues to publish a wide range of titles for both children and adults, and operates an online store for its books.

Asunaro Shobo was established in 1961 by Tsunekatsu Yamaura. Its first publication was 'Mother and Child's 20-Minute Reading' (author: Mukai Hatojū). From its early years, the company focused on children's books and educational materials, including fairy tales and picture books. It also actively translated international children's literature. In 1990, its translated picture book 'The Man Who Planted Trees' (written by Jean Giono, illustrated by Frédéric Back, translated by Teraoka Shō) won the 13th Picture Book Japan Award Special Prize. In 1998, the translated book 'Snow' (written by Uri Shulevitz, translated by Sakuma Yumiko) won the Japan Picture Book Award Translation Prize. In 2000, the translated book 'If You Were a Slave...' (text by Julius Lester, illustrations by Rod Brown, translated by Kataoka Shinobu) won the 47th Sankei Children's Book Culture Award Grand Prize. In 2002, the company published 'White Peak Farm' (author: Berlie Doherty, translator: Saitō Noriko); the original 1984 edition won the Phoenix Award in 2004. The publisher has also released notable series such as 'The Mirror Labyrinth' (3 volumes), Ralf Isau's original works (illustrated by Satake Miho, translated by Sakayori Shin'ichi), 'Neshan Saga' (9 volumes), 'The Museum of Stolen Memories' (2 volumes), 'Mirror Chronicles' (3 volumes), 'Visual Encyclopedia of Knowledge' (series 1–10, 50 volumes total), and the 'Books to Read in the Classroom' series. Asunaro Shobo continues to operate from Shinjuku, Tokyo, and maintains an online presence for book sales and information.

• 2002

  Publishes 'White Peak Farm' by Berlie Doherty (original 1984 edition won Phoenix Award in 2004).

• 2000

  Translated book 'If You Were a Slave...' wins the 47th Sankei Children's Book Culture Award Grand Prize.

• 1998

  Translated book 'Snow' wins the Japan Picture Book Award Translation Prize.

• 1990

  Translated picture book 'The Man Who Planted Trees' wins the 13th Picture Book Japan Award Special Prize.

• 1961

  Founded by Tsunekatsu Yamaura; first book 'Mother and Child's 20-Minute Reading' published.

Publisher of children's and educational books, with a focus on translated international children's literature.

• 'Mother and Child's 20-Minute Reading' (author: Mukai Hatojū)

• 'The Mirror Labyrinth' 3 volumes (author: Kai Meyer, illustrations: Satake Miho, translation: Tōyama Akiko)

• Ralf Isau original works (illustrations: Satake Miho, translation: Sakayori Shin'ichi)

• 'Neshan Saga' 9 volumes

• 'The Museum of Stolen Memories' 2 volumes

• 'Mirror Chronicles' 3 volumes

• 'Visual Encyclopedia of Knowledge' series (1st–10th term, 50 volumes total)

• 'Books to Read in the Classroom' series

1. 1あすなろ書房 official websiteasunaroshobo.co.jp
2. 2Asunaro Shobo - Wikidatawikidata.org
3. 3あすなろ書房 - Wikipedia (Japanese)ja.wikipedia.org